Komedyplast is here to make a lasting difference in the lives of children throughout the world.

while also bringing laughter and hope to the children and their families.

Programs

"The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children."
- Dietrich Bonheoffer

KomedyPlast International

provides a unique approach to the international care of children afflicted with craniofacial anomalies.Komedyplastconducts surgical missions to Lima, Peru for (a) the treatment of pediatric patients that combines a volunteer surgical team with an entertainment team; (b) the training of local plastic surgeons in Lima, providing them with the necessary skills and techniques to care for their own children; and (c) the development of a craniofacial surgery Center of Excellence to serve as a training and treatment referral center for South America

Komedyplast Craniofacial Research Grant Program

has been established in cooperation with the American Society of Craniofacial Surgery(www.ascfs.org) to provide annual grants for clinical and basic science research that strives to elucidate mechanisms of craniofacial pathogenesis and develop strategies to treat resultant craniofacial anomalies. The 2010 Craniofacial Research Grant Application can be obtained here. The launch of the Komedyplast Craniofacial Research Grant represents a major step forward for Komedyplast, supporting its triad mission of treatment, training, and research.

Komedy Clown Kamp

produced and sponsored by the partnership between Komedyplastand Caring Clowns International (CCI), provides opportunities for children and teenagers to develop an appreciation of the art and magic of clowning by training and performing with the actual CCI troupe of clowns (www.caringclownsinternational.org).

Komedyplast LIVE!

features and showcases entertainment by professional comedians at children’s hospitals, schools and other local organizations and entertainment venues in conjunction with Caring Clowns International (CCI)

Komedyplast Outreach

provides fully or partially funded surgery for (a) local children who do not have adequate health coverage and/or are unaware of available care, and (b) children transferred to the United States from abroad for complex craniofacial reconstructions. Ultimately, these children will be transferred to one of our established craniofacial surgery international Centers of Excellence.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & FOUNDER

Established by Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig, Komedyplast provides a unique approach to the international care of children with congenital anomalies by combining surgical treatment with comedy.

As a craniofacial plastic surgeon, an important focus of Dr. Weinzweig’s work has been the treatment of children with congenital anomalies such as cleft lip and palate, and complex deformities of the skull, including craniosynostosis and fibrous dysplasia.

Dr. Weinzweig formerly served as Chairman of the Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Director of the Institute of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery at The Lahey Clinic Medical Center. He is currently Director of The Chicago Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.

Dr. Weinzweig and his research team have pioneered the development of a congenital cleft palate model in the goat which they have subsequently repaired in utero and studied extensively over the past decade. Current work utilizing this model, which closely resembles the human cleft palate, includes elucidating the mechanism of clefting in an effort to prevent clefting in humans.

As the author of more than 150 journal publications and book chapters, and currently editing his 6th textbook, Dr. Weinzweig has developed an international reputation as an outstanding clinical surgeon and scientific researcher.

A true team effort, Komedyplast benefits from the talent and dedication of world-class specialists, including craniofacial surgeons, neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and entertainers. Komedyplast strives to develop international Centers of Excellence to serve as training and treatment referral centers in other parts of the world where there is significant need but no access to this expertise.

Winston Chruchill

"You make a living by what you get, but you make life by what you give."

Margaret Mead

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Mission Statement

Komedyplast, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) international organization, provides a unique approach to the international care of children with congenital anomalies by combining surgical treatment with comedy.

Established to help suffering children

Komedyplast was established to help children suffering from the emotional scars and developmental delays resulting from congenital abnormalities. In many parts of the world, while there are well-trained physicians, access to trained specialists, including craniofacial surgeons, is limited. By combining medical services provided by volunteer physicians and nurses with a volunteer entertainment team, the primary mission of Komedyplast is to make a lasting difference in the lives of children throughout the world, while also bringing laughter and hope to the children and their families.

In 2005, Komedyplastinitiated international missions to developing countries, beginning with Lima, Peru, to provide surgical care for children with congenital anomalies who would not otherwise receive timely treatment, while providing specialist training for local physicians and surgeons. The Komedyplast team recently returned from Mission Peru 2007 – its 3rd successful mission to Lima.

Komedyplast also provides opportunities for children in local communities to build character and self-esteem through various participant events such as Komedy Clown Kam